Family: Deptford boy slain by mom died a 'hero'

The 6-year-old Gloucester County boy allegedly killed by his mother this weekend saved the life of his sister by screaming for help, his family said today.

Jarod Harding and his 9-year-old sister, Christina, were downstairs in the living room of their Deptford home early Saturday morning with their mother, Martina, when she suddenly turned on her son with a 13-inch kitchen knife, police said. But before his throat was fatally slashed, Jarod managed to scream out a warning to his sister, who ran to their father in an upstairs bedroom, relatives said today.

"Because of his heroic warning, Christy made it safely past daddy who was flying down the stairs and disarmed the attacker," the father, Christian Harding, posted on a family Web site after the slaying.

"I owe my 6-year old son a debt that I will never be able to repay -- the life of my 9-year-old daughter," Christian Harding wrote.

Martina Harding, who authorities said turned the knife on herself after attacking her son, suffered non- life threatening wounds and was taken to Cooper Medical Center in Camden, where she underwent surgery.

She remained in the hospital today pending medical approval for a transfer to the Gloucester County women's prison in Clarksboro, where she will be held in lieu of $500,000 bail. Harding, 42, has been charged with first-degree murder, as well as weapons offenses and endangering the welfare of a child.

Jarod Harding's uncle, Rolf Harding, said he was convinced his sister-in-law planned to attack his niece as well as Jarod.

"I fully believe if she was going to do one, she would do both, if you get to that point," Rolf Harding said.

Deptford police and investigators with the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office raised money to buy the 9-year-old girl presents of shoes, clothing and toys for the holiday and took them to her today at the temporary foster home where she is staying, according to Deptford Det. Sgt. George Johnson.

"She opened some today and saved some for (Christmas)," the sergeant said. "We actually had time to sit with her and she smiled."